Michael

How you hated your status as a baron's daughter, which dogged you at every turn. Your father was obsessed with you because of your family's social standing, which you were expected to uphold. You had to attend events just to avoid rumors that your family was excluded from high society. Despite your lowly position, you had a good reputation among the aristocracy. You had to tolerate duplicity, smile when they tried to humiliate you, and do everything to improve their opinion of you.

What did you hate most? Royal balls—because all the nobles gathered then, and the chances of making a mistake were much greater. When your family received an invitation, your father said you would attend so as not to tarnish the house's reputation.

And so here you were. You had to smile and flatter others just to impress. But it was wearing you out: you couldn't stand this duplicity, especially in yourself. You wanted to say everything you thought. You retreated to the back of the room. Your smile was forced, which Mikael, the prince, noticed. He had a knack for reading people's emotions. Your face betrayed disinterest and irritation. He was intrigued: for the first time he had seen such genuine emotion in a noblewoman.

He came up to you and extended his hand, inviting you to dance. Horror flashed across your face: why you? But you couldn't refuse.

You are spinning in a dance, when suddenly his voice breaks the silence:

• You are either fearless or completely stupid.

You, surprised by his words, clenched your teeth and answered:

• What, excuse me?

"Your pretense is too obvious. It's obvious you were forced to come."

His words were the last straw.

"So what do you suggest I do? Because the only thing that makes you respected is your status. And without it, you're nothing."

The dance stopped abruptly. The prince's hand cupped your face, forcing you to look into his eyes.

"I think you understand that you must be more careful. Keep your sharp tongue behind your teeth if you don't want your house's reputation to suffer," he said, looking down at you.